Description
This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe features tender, perfectly seared salmon fillets served atop a creamy and zesty lemon-infused orzo. The salmon is seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano, then seared and finished in the oven for juicy, flaky results. The orzo is cooked separately and combined with chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and parsley to create a luscious side that complements the rich fish. Ideal for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Lemon Orzo
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for finishing the salmon.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for searing the salmon.
- Warm Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to the skillet and let it heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.
- Season Salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano evenly.
- Sear Salmon, Skin-Side Down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes without moving to get crispy skin.
- Flip and Sear Opposite Side: Flip the fillets and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Bake Salmon: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 7-10 minutes until cooked through as desired.
- Boil Water for Orzo: While salmon bakes, bring a large pot of water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo to boiling water and cook according to package instructions for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain Orzo: Drain the cooked orzo and set aside for mixing with sauce.
- Melt Butter for Sauce: In a separate large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat to prepare the orzo sauce.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer in the buttered skillet.
- Add Orzo to Broth: Stir the cooked orzo into the simmering broth, mixing gently to combine flavors.
- Incorporate Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well mixed and creamy.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir for 2-3 minutes until the orzo mixture is creamy and heated through.
- Add Parsley: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
- Check Salmon Doneness: Remove the skillet from the oven once salmon is cooked to your liking.
- Plate Orzo and Salmon: Serve the creamy lemon orzo on plates and top with the baked salmon fillets.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired for brightness and presentation.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to transition the salmon directly from stovetop searing to oven baking to save cleanup time.
- The orzo can be cooked separately to ensure perfect texture without overcooking the salmon.
- Add extra lemon zest or juice if you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor in the orzo.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and olive oil respectively.
- Ensure the salmon skin is dry before searing to achieve crispiness.
